Denise Van Outen jives to top of the Strictly Come Dancing leader board

Denise Van Outen has recovered from her whiplash and stormed to the top of the Strictly Come Dancing leader board with partner
James Jordan.

Denise Van Outen and partner James Jordan wow the judges with their Jive (Picture: PA)

Earlier this week, the Strictly Come Dancing outlook for Denise Van Outen was bleak after she sustained whiplash during rehearsals for her dance this weekend.

But taking to the ballroom floor tonight, the 38-year-old Essex girl seemed to have recovered completely and was in such good shape that she was able to go straight to the top of the score board with partner James Jordan.

Wearing an eye-catching red polka-dot dress, Denise performed the Jive with James and had the judges waxing lyrical over her moves.

New panel member Darcey Bussell told her: ‘Wowee, you got the style of the jive instantly. It was amazing.’

Denise and James were all smiles after being handed the biggest score of the night (Picture: BBC)

Len Goodman added: ‘Tutti frutti what a booty! That was my cup of tea, it was so full on.’Even the famously stony-faced Craig Revel Horwood enjoyed Denise’s star turn, telling her it was ‘fabulous’ and handing her a high score, bringing her total to a thoroughly respectable 32.

Denise had previously come under criticism from some Strictly viewers, who said she was at an unfair advantage on the show because she has previously danced professionally in various roles.

Clearly elated at the positive feedback but still conscious of her injury, Denise told Tess Daly: ‘I cant feel the pain in my neck because of the adrenaline, but I’m sure I’ll be in agony tomorrow.’

Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow night on BBC1, when the first celebrity will be sent home from the competition.